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Former professional boxer Manny Pacquiao who is currently a presidential candidate in the Philippines launched his own esports organization that seeks to promote homegrown Filipino talent. The new organization dubbed ‘Team Pacquiao GG’ seeks to promote local streamers, host competitive events, and be involved in charity work. The incumbent senator personally launched the organization in an event at Parañaque City, Philippines.
Pacquiao GG has already signed five creators
Pacquiao GG is a joint venture between Manny Pacquiao and London-based esports organization Veloce. The new esports organization is part of Veloce’s expansion plans in Southeast Asia.
The former boxer Pacquiao is regarded as one of the best in the sport. He was elected as a senator of the Philippines in 2016. He was also previously been elected to the country’s House of Representatives in 2010. He has been a controversial figure due to his comments against same-sex couples. His run for president has been met with criticism on social media and he previously had sponsorships withdrawn following his comments.
At the launch event, Pacquiao GG announced the first five creators who are now part of the organization which include:
Elyson “Ghost Wrecker” Caranza
Kimberlee “Superkimbie” Arcillas
Koleen “Een” Mercado
Gian Lois “GLOCO” Concepcion
Shin Boo “Sh1nboo” Ponferrada
The five creators are known for titles like Wild Rift, Valorant, Call of Duty Mobile, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Currently, there are no pro players on the roster and the organization has signed only streamers so far. Pacquiao GG is marketing itself as an esports organization and Manny Pacquiao revealed in the launch event that the organization seeks to sign professional teams in the future.
Pacquiao stated in the event “Our purpose is to become the pound-for-pound esports heavyweights of Southeast Asia through community engagements, professional teams, content creation, and charitable giving.” Pacquiao has entered basketball and boxing as a businessman in the past but this is his first venture in esports.
He added, “Esports is not just an online phenomenon but also a legitimate growing sports industry in the world with a lot of jobs and business opportunities. As I step away from boxing, I want to continue to give something back to our Filipino people who have given me so much support and love in my career as a boxer."
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